|
Author : Rose Montgomery
The Indi-Anna’s, as they are fondly known in the community, began their story in the early 1970’s when a man by the name of Joe McWilliams, a barbershop singer himself, pulled just over twenty ladies together and began teaching them the intricate art of barbershop singing. The style consists of four parts -bass, baritone, lead and tenor- and is sung all acapella, or without accompaniment. The tight harmony produces robust, ringing chords. The early group called themselves The Good Time Singers. According to McWilliams, the group’s intent was not to sing to make money, but to sing for fun. And that they did! They sang for banquets, church dedications, pageants, and high schools, and even appeared on TV’s Big John Riley Show! The group’s ultimate goal, however, was to increase numbers and interest enough to secure membership with Sweet Adelines International. Being a part of this organization, of over 25,000 (women’s barbershop) members in choruses throughout the United States and around the world, would allow them to compete in district and national contests. To expedite the process, the Good Time Singers obtained sponsorship of the nearby Johnstown Chapter (of Sweet Adelines). Then, in 1974, the same year The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC Championship going on to win 6 Super Bowls, President Nixon resigned from office, and the musical group ABBA won the Eurovision song contest for their song “Waterloo,” the Good Time Singers received their Charter, and the Indiana Chapter of Sweet Adelines International was born. The Indi-Anna’s, as they are now known, boast of retaining two original charter members, June Wyne and Connie Hill. Wyne was a member of the Good Time Singers and recounts that she was delivering food as a part of a local outreach organization when she was invited to join the group. Going through some personal challenges at the time, and needing an outlet, she decided to give it a try. “I was hooked from the start!” she excitedly admits. Connie Hill thinks back to moving into the same neighborhood as Wyne. She amusingly recalls, “A member of the chorus was going to be away, and June asked me to fill in just for the summer. It was the longest summer of my life!” Since then, Wyne, Hill and the chorus have been led by seven different directors, performed in over 40 shows, belonged to three different (Sw. Ad.) regions, and participated in over 40 contests in cities including Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Washington D.C., Ocean City, MD, Harrisburg, and Cleveland. One of the highlights in the chorus’s history was singing for actor and Indiana native Jimmy Stewart’s 75th birthday celebration in 1983. The chorus learned Stewart’s favorite song, “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” and were delighted when he chimed in and sang along with them! Aside from annual shows, regional competitions, and community singing engagements, the chorus also delights in their tradition of Singing Valentines. For a small fee, the chorus will sing, in person, two love-themed songs, to your special someone. Chorus members, past and |
present, recall singing in homes, offices, grocery stores, banks, hair salons, schools, restaurants, medical centers and even one time at the Indiana jail!
The Indiana community is probably most familiar with the chorus’s annual shows. They would take place every fall. First at Fisher Auditorium, then at the Indiana Junior High School and finally at the KCAC, the chorus shows would follow a new musical theme each year with a play-like script to tie the songs together. Themes through the years have included country-western, fabulous fifties, songs of the 60’s/70’s, murder mystery, Broadway, and many more. Each show would also feature a popular male or female guest quartet. The custom of the fall show started in the late 1970’s and continued clear through October 2019. By the fall of 2020, COVID pandemic restrictions made it impossible for the chorus to proceed with yet another show, or any of their other activities that year as well. But the Indi-Anna’s, at the tutelage of their newly inducted director, Cindy Sheffler along with President Heather Flowers, refused to give up. They helped the chorus navigate the uncharted waters of ZOOM rehearsals, singing with masks and video taped contest entries. The chorus persevered, and two years ago, hosted the their first ever Christmas Tea and More. Singing out once again together, they entertained the public with barbershop-style Christmas music, raffle baskets and of course a menu of finger sandwiches, cookies and tea, all provided by the hard-working chorus members. Fifty years may seem like a long time to most, but not to the Indi-Anna Chorus. Today is merely the beginning of another fifty years, or more, of barbershop singing. Though they may not know what might change or what obstacles they may have to overcome, it is clear the group’s 23 members, ranging in age from 18-90, are committed to continue learning and sharing their craft with the community. Furthermore, they wish to encourage other women out there to join their “sisters in harmony” as they all admit the friendship and support of the group is what holds them together. Hearing their stories undoubtedly exemplifies their mantra, “come for the singing, stay for the fun,” and the rest, my friends, is history. 
|
Directors
|
Competition
|
Chapter
|
|
Indi-Anna Chorus©2025 |